Jaishankar to embark on 3-day Maldives visit in renewed push for stronger ties

Jaishankar's visit comes amid strained ties following Maldives President Mohamad Muizzu's pledge to end the country's "India First" policy.

Updated on: Aug 8, 2024, 18:59:18 IST

By HT News Desk

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

External affairs minister S Jaishankar will embark on a three-day visit to the Maldives signalling a renewed effort to bolster the partnership between the two nations.

External affairs minister S Jaishankar. (PTI/X/DrSJaishankar)

Jaishankar’s visit to the island nation is his first since January 2023 and follows the recent visit of Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu to India for the swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s third term.

Read: Maldives President Muizzu thanks India, China for support to strengthen his country’s fragile economy

The Maldives, a key maritime neighbour to India, holds a strategic position in the Indian Ocean and has long been considered an essential partner in India’s 'Neighbourhood First' policy and its 'SAGAR' vision—Security and Growth for All in the Region. Jaishankar’s trip is expected to focus on enhancing this partnership, exploring new avenues for cooperation, and addressing concerns that have surfaced in the past year.

“The External Affairs Minister (EAM) of India, Dr. S Jaishankar will pay an official visit to Maldives from 09-11 August 2024. The visit follows the recent visit of the President of the Republic of Maldives, H. E. Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, to India for the swearing-in ceremony of the new Cabinet and Council of Ministers,” the MEA said in a statement.

“The visit is aimed at strengthening the close partnership between the two countries and to explore avenues to enhance the bilateral relationship further,” it added.

Read: Maldives minister arrested for performing ‘black magic’ on President Muizzu: Report

The visit comes on the heels of a significant shift in Maldives’ foreign policy under President Muizzu, who has sought to recalibrate the country's relations with India.

The ties between the two nations were strained after Muizzu, who won the presidency on an "India Out" campaign, took steps to distance the Maldives from India and foster closer ties with China.

Read: Maldivian parliamentary panel to probe 3 agreements signed with India

One of Muizzu’s early actions in office was the withdrawal of Indian military personnel from Maldivian territory, fulfilling a key campaign promise.

However, Muizu's presence at Modi's inauguration ceremony was seen as a positive step towards mending relations.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

Follow India news real-time updates and the latest news covered on Hindustan Times, featuring today's critical updates on Sonam Wangchuk LIVE and more across India.